UN chief urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon ahead of G20 Summit
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 13: Newly-elected United Nations Secretary General-designate Antonio Guterres looks on a photo opportunity at the United Nations (UN) headquarters October 13, 2016 in New York City. Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal, will replace outgoing secretary general Ban Ki-moon starting in January 2017. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the escalating conflict.
Speaking in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the G20 summit, which begins on Monday, Guterres underscored the need for adherence to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
“We cannot have double standards. We need to apply the same principles everywhere,” he said.
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Guterres reiterated the importance of achieving peace through a two-state solution that respects the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis to coexist in security and stability.
Condemning the recent attacks by Hamas, the UN chief stressed that such actions do not justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. “We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of hostages, and effective humanitarian aid to Gaza,” he urged.
Guterres’s remarks come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rising tensions in Lebanon. His plea for a ceasefire aligns with global calls for de-escalation and the provision of vital aid to affected regions.
The G20 summit provides a platform for world leaders to address pressing global issues, and Guterres’s call highlights the need for urgent action to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
